Military to Implement Brain Injury Tests for Recruits

The U.S. Department of Defense has announced that new military recruits will undergo baseline cognitive tests aimed at diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injuries throughout their service. This initiative is part of a broader effort to safeguard the brain health of all new service members, as outlined in a memo released by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. The Pentagon emphasized the importance of these measures in mitigating the risks associated with exposure to blast overpressure during training exercises. In her memo, Hicks highlighted the need to reduce service members' exposure to weapon blasts by increasing their distance from such incidents during training. She also mandated that personnel engaged in high-intensity training involving explosions or weapon firing must wear protective gear. Hicks noted that blast overpressure is a significant factor that can adversely affect the cognitive health of military personnel, and her directive builds on existing initiatives to address these concerns. The directive follows a tragic incident involving U.S. Army Reserve soldier Robert Card, who killed 18 people in Lewiston, Maine, and was later found to have an undiagnosed traumatic brain injury. Card's history as a hand grenade training instructor exposed him to numerous low-level blasts, which may have contributed to his condition. Hicks acknowledged that while the effects of blast overexposure on the brain are not fully understood, research indicates that repeated exposure can lead to cognitive impairments and other neurological issues. The U.S. Army has already implemented a brain testing rule for new soldiers, requiring them to take the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) during basic training. Hicks' directive extends this requirement to all branches of the armed services, underscoring the military's commitment to addressing brain health among its personnel.